New Kindergarten Facilities for IDP Children in Tserovani

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The Elisabeth Gast Foundation, with the support from UNICEF, opened a new kindergarten-playground in Tserovani IDP settlement. Tserovani is one of the biggest IDP settlements with newly constructed cottages for more than 6,000 IDPs.

“It is extremely important to have a place for children in this settlement. Here we try to help them forget the war they saw last year,” said Elisabeth Gast. “Here is their new home and we are trying to help them to forget all those changes and bad experiences.”　　

“There are a lot of settlements, but this one is the biggest and there is nothing for small children. Most of the organizations look after school-year aged children, but the world of small children is completely different,” she added.　　

The kindergarten is a visual experience for 3 to 6 year old children, using a peculiar art-based approach; it aims at fostering creativity, restoring children’s inner balance and psychological wellbeing.　　

“The conflict has shattered the lives of many children in Georgia,” said Giovanna Barberis, UNICEF Representative in Georgia. “Child-friendly spaces set up in collaboration with our partners will give these children a possibility to get education and to play, which is essential for their rehabilitation and further development. Giving children - and their parents - the possibility of returning to formal or informal education provides a sense of normality and hope for the future,” added Barberis.

“Children love this place very much and they are very satisfied. Before this, children stayed at home with their parents; now they are all together, they have fun and they are learning something new every day,” said one of the parents Nino Iluriadze.　　

In response to the August conflict and to ensure children’s rights for protection and development, UNICEF in partnership with World Vision, IRC and Elisabeth Gast Foundation established up to 60 child-friendly centers, including recreation, informal learning and sports for children in collective centers in Tbilisi, Gori and Shida Kartli villages and the IDP settlements.　　

The child friendly spaces are aimed at children aged 3 to 17, living in and around the conflict affected areas. The centers allow children to get better prepared for school, to freely express their ideas and feelings.　　The child-friendly centers also act as a resource centers for parents who require support on different matters and may also provide referrals.

Liene Veide

1.05.2009